Brooklyn Eagle article from 1894. It seems women have been claiming the title in some form since the 1890s This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected
Elizabeth Wilkinson (who became Mrs. Stokes after she married one of James Figg's pupils) had claimed the title of the European championess (and thus, of the World, as well) back in 1728.
Wilkinson, "The Cockney Championess" fought Martha Jones in 1722. I believe that these were actual "fights" not boxing matches. They could kick and maul as well as punch.
